Guidance needed in purchasing (and later) installing more RAM

Hello to all!

Sure is a new and different look to this forum! But very nice!

Would really appreciate some guidance here, as I am considering purchasing more RAM for my computer. But with being the novice that I am, I am totally confused on what to look for, what I need or what will work with my computer?

I currently have (I think) 64MB installed (with a max allowed at 256MB) with a speed of 100MHz and a SDRAM type with 2DIMM slots total with 1 DIMM available. (I got this information a long time ago and don't even know where exactly I got it from?? IBM Aptiva website maybe?). It's just all very confusing to me!

I have an IBM Aptiva model 2153-E3U, running W98, IE5.5., which may be somewhat of an "antique ", but unfortunately I am unable to afford purchasing a newer model this one does, however, serve my needs fairly adequately.

If anyone could suggest what I need to do to begin my search for purchasing more RAM, it would be greatly appreciated! And once the purchase is made, if someone would be willing to guide me in how to go about installing it?

Thanks to everyone who is always willing to help out on this BBS!! What a wonderful, friendly place to seek assistance!

Sincerely,
Vicki

 

For ram upgrades I usually use Crucial and from the info you gave this looks like your system or you can use the crucial system scanner

Now to install the ram look here


Disclaimer: I do not work for crucial I have found them to be a very good company to purchase from and they have a wealth of resources.

Bubba169

 

Vicki,

Hello from SE MN! I happen to have a stick of RAM that I pulled out of my 2153-E2U. It is 128MB and works great. I just had some problems getting two 128MB sticks to work together. They say the max is 256MB, but sometimes you have problems with that amount. Any ways, I would sell it to you if you want it. I think $20 would be a fair price. Just email me at minnesotamike@charter.net .

Mike

 

Thank you bubba for the link(s) you provided. Installing new RAM doesn't appear to be that difficult a task after reading that info. I did also try to use the crucial system scanner (more out of curiosity) but that froze my computer--at least on that open window (had to do a crl+alt+del to end that task!)

Thank you also Mike, for your reply. But I still have several questions. If I were to purchase your 128mb ram (very reasonable offer by the way) would I be able to add this to my existing ram or would I have to remove what I have and use only the 128mb? If I were able to add to my existing, how would I know if they were compatible or how would I check to see what brand ram I am now using?? Or wouldn't this make any difference?

Thanks again for your willingness to help!
Sincerely,
Vicki

 

Vicki,
Chances are that if you add a 128 stick of ram into the spare DIMM slot it will work fine, and will give you a total of 192MB of RAM. Plenty enough for your system. You should notice a good improvement.
I would think that any generic brand (not forgetting Mikes offer ) would be suffice and a cheap option. Just make sure its PC100 or PC133 (which is back compatible) as well. If you were to put a stick of PC66 RAM in, then both sticks would run at the slower (66MHz) speed. Not recommended. Someone you know who knows a bit about PC's and preferably has experience in upgrading/assembly should be able to check what you currently have in about 10 minutes or less.

 

if you want a place to buy memory, try here:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/Category/category_memory.asp


man, i am starting to sound like a advertiser for this web page.

Good luck,
Jason

 

Vicki,

The memory that I have is PC133. It will work just fine with the current memory that you have. No need to remove the other or worry about brands. I have always mixed brands in my systems without any problems.

Mike

 

Take a peek here.

 

Note

Hope you all saw this note an that crucial page. " All memory slot(s) are filled, some of the existing memory must be removed in order to upgrade. "

 

Thank you everyone for all your help!

I did purchase that stick of RAM from Mike (turned out he that he lives in the next town only about 20 miles from me!!) "a small world" after all!

Have it installed already, with thanks to the link bubba provided--made it very easy for a beginner like me!

So for now, I'm off and runnin'!

Thanks again!
Vicki

 

Neighbor Vicki,

With this upgrade you should be able to remove the (less than) in your computer experience!

Mike

 

Looks like you will be "building your own" at the next upgrade Vicki?

There is a lot of fun, as well as satisfaction, (and occasionally a little heartache ) if you go down that path.

 

I'm glad to hear that you got it upgraded.

Bubba169